Identity
Irish legend Kevin Kilbane shares the consensus with Irish supporters. Like Rice, he was born and reared in England. His mother, Theresa, is from Co. Longford; his grandparents Irish too. He was even called up at underage level to represent England, but declined on the sole basis that he felt more Irish than English. Kilbane went on to win an impressive 110 senior caps for Ireland. Kilbane’s frustration is shared with the majority of second and third generation Irish living in Britain, who do not feel anything other than Irish but grow tired of having to explain themselves to the Irish, who intern cannot look past the English accent. James McClean wouldn’t be James McClean without voicing his opinion by showing support to Kilbane, putting further deject on 19-year-old Rice, who is in the exact position McClean once found himself. McClean represented Northern Ireland at U21 level while admitting in an Instagram post to “taking advantage of the system to further himself”. James McClean is a person and player who wears his heart on his sleeve, but claims of hypocrisy have emerged following his strong public comments against Rice. McClean’s defence is he always maintained he would never represent the North at senior level.
De-Ja Vu?
Grealish went on to represent Ireland at U17, U18 and U21 level, even winning U21 player of the year despite playing only two games. Grealish’s Ireland demise began when he took close to a full season out of International football for what he stated was to concentrate on his role within the Aston Villa team due to numerous off the field incidents. Then, England U21 manager, Gareth Southgate was given plenty of encouragement that the absence was infact down to Grealish’s head been turned, he felt he had the ability and potential, if fulfilled, to play for England. Now, senior England manager, Southgate has been accused of similar tactics getting inside Rice’s head trying to get him to declare for England. Ultimately, declaring for England would see him command higher wages, higher transfer fees and own more lucrative brands. Nonetheless, play in a young, dynamic and fearless team under a youth trusting manager. |
Player or Process?
The rules were sculpted and implemented to provide choice to those unable to play for their country of birth, but good enough to represent that of their ancestors. Andy Townsend was a prime example of this, deemed not good enough to represent England but was capped 70 times by Ireland, through his Irish grandmother. In cases like this, England’s loss is Irelands gain. But Declan Rice’s case is not like that, this does not support the lack of choice, this offers more choice, where choice isn’t necessary. Should it be acceptable for National teams to operate like clubs, scouting the best young talents in what is a free market, who will benefit long term? Ireland may win Declan Rice but imagine if England came and enticed one of Irelands best young talents. This is what happens when the nationalism is taken out of national sport, when it is far too easy to switch allegiances.
Regardless of what Declan Rice chooses to do, he’s going to receive backlash. Since the announcement that he was contemplating his international future he set his twitter to private. If he chooses to declare for England, the abuse will come from Irish fans. Even if he chooses Ireland he will still probably get abuse from Irish fans. Again, If he chooses England, there will be endless questions about his decision to put on the Irish Jersey in the first place.
Author - Nathan Brennan
4th-Year Recreation and Sport Management Student